Food & Dining
News
Popular New York City cocktail bar now open in Honolulu
ROKC — which stands for ramen, oyster, kitchen and cocktail — opened recently in Waikīkī. The eatery is known for its signature cocktails, izakaya-style bites and unique ramen.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 02, 2026
New Japanese curry spot in Honolulu
Kana Curry, which specializes in sweet-and-spicy Osaka-style curry, recently opened in Waikīkī.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 01, 2026
New Makanai café opens in Makiki
Makanai — which translates to “family meal” in Japanese — recently opened in the former space of Sure Shot Café in Makiki. The café offers everything from earl grey matcha lattes and cold brews topped with honey cream to yuzu egg sandos, cinnamon rolls and smoked ‘ahi bagels.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 31, 2025
Tonkatsu Kuro added new dishes to its menu
The new combo sets — which include perilla soba, spicy tsuyu soba and tenderloin and shrimp katsu — are inspired by Korean flavors. Customers can also now enjoy Suntory premium malts and Kirin Ichiban, which are poured using the eatery’s new Hoshizaki draft beer machine.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 31, 2025
Behind the scenes at Fresh Island Fish and Pier 38 Fish Market
Aloha State Daily was recently invited for a tour at Fresh Island Fish. We learned more about the business’s “boat-to-table” process, watched whole ‘ahis being broken down, and got tips for sashimi-cutting.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 30, 2025
Inside look at Aloha Tofu Factory
Aloha State Daily got a behind-the-scenes tour at Aloha Tofu Factory, which celebrated its 75th anniversary this year.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 30, 2025
New restaurants opening on Oʻahu in 2026
From the return of Alan Wong’s to Liliha Bakery’s sixth location, here’s a look at O‘ahu’s dining scene in 2026.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 30, 2025
New all-you-can-eat sushi spot opens in Honolulu
Sumo AYCE Sushi just opened in Azure Ala Moana. The eatery — originally from Las Vegas — offers an extensive all-you-can-eat menu, along with an a la carte menu.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 29, 2025
TOUS les JOURS opens first Hawaiʻi location
The bakery soft opened today and is celebrating its grand opening on Dec. 28 to 30 with a variety of giveaways. The business — which has other stores in California, New York and Texas — is popular for its French- and Korean-inspired baked goods.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 27, 2025
BRUG Bakery to open soon in Kapolei
This is sixth location for BRUG Bakery, which is known for its soft breads and pastries made with high-quality flour from Hokkaido, Japan. The Kapolei location features exclusive cakes and an extended drink menu. The bakery’s soft opening will be soon; its grand opening will be in January 2026.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 27, 2025
Where to get mochi for New Year’s
A popular New Year’s food symbolizing prosperity and good fortune, mochi can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Ring in 2026 with the options below.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 27, 2025
KoLab offers Korean fusion brunch in Kakaʻako
KoLab — located within Okome Ten-don & Poke — is offering a brunch menu inspired by Korean flavors and street foods. It’s only available on Sundays for now, but the menu will eventually expand.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 25, 2025
There’s a new dessert lounge at Nanzan Giro Giro
Victor’s Dessert Lounge pops up at Nanzan Giro Giro on Tuesdays and Wednesdays only. The dessert menu changes monthly and is inspired by seasonal ingredients.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 24, 2025
West Oʻahu has a new dim sum spot
West Emperor Dim Sum Restaurant just opened in Embassy Suites Kapolei. It’s a re-branding of former wagyu eatery Gyu-Masu Steak & Seafood. Restaurant owner Victor Jian has teamed up with the former chef from Legend Seafood Restaurant to bring dim sum to the West side.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 23, 2025
New restaurant opens at Pier 38
Thirty Eight Restaurant & Bar — located in the former space of Nami Kaze Hawaiʻi — is now open for lunch during weekdays. The new neighborhood harbor bistro strives to offer seafood — showcasing high-quality options from its sister company, Fresh Island Fish — and local plates at affordable prices.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 23, 2025
Exclusive tour of Diamond Bakery Hawaiʻi
Diamond Bakery Hawaiʻi celebrated its 104th birthday this year. Aloha State Daily got a behind-the-scenes tour of the bakery — complete with cookie samples — and learned more about its cookie- and cracker-making process.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 22, 2025
Sleigh My Name is SKY Waikīkī’s first holiday pop-up lounge
Customers can enjoy seasonal cocktails in a cozy setting until Dec. 25. Plus, when you attend the holiday pop-up, you can still access SKY Waikīkī’s full food menu — and enjoy those scenic views of the Waikīkī skyline.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 19, 2025
Diamond Head Market & Grill now has a new okazuya pop-up and weekend breakfast
Chef Jason Peel — formerly of Nami Kaze Hawaiʻi — has now joined chef Kelvin Ro at Diamond Head Market & Grill. Peel gave us an update on what he’s doing at the iconic market, and we recently stopped by to check out the market's first okazuya pop-up.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 19, 2025
Feast on these exclusive Sheraton Hawaiʻi Bowl specials
Sheraton Waikīkī Beach Resort and Sheraton Princess Ka‘iulani are celebrating the 22nd Sheraton Hawaiʻi Bowl with exclusive specials. The University of Hawaiʻi will play the University of California at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex at UH Mānoa on Dec. 24.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 18, 2025
Where to eat on New Year’s Eve – part 1
Ring in 2026 with memorable dine-in or takeout experiences.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 17, 2025
Aloha Island Manapua is offering a limited-time discount on its mini manapua
The biz just opened in the space of Honolulu Kitchen in Waipahu. Its menu is still similar — and customers can take advantage of a plate lunch deal and $1.50 mini manapua until Dec. 20.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 17, 2025
Taco Rice Hawaiʻi opens on Kalākaua Avenue
The takeout spot is open in the former space of Do-ne Japanese Food on Kalākaua Avenue. Taco Rice Hawaiʻi specializes in the Okinawan comfort food, and plans to expand its menu next month.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 17, 2025
A new matcha café is open in Kakaʻako
Recently opened Ohana Hui took over HI Cravings’ Kakaʻako trailer on Queen Street. This will be the new permanent location for the matcha biz, which is guided by the value of family and providing a space centered on connections over matcha.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 16, 2025
Maui bakery featured on Good Morning America
The Maui Cookie Lady was included in a Dec. 13 GMA segment highlighting cookie delivery companies from across the country.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 16, 2025